The Welsh Government has announced a package of measures to support farmers ahead of the rollout of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) in 2026, including a new Ready Reckoner tool and £33 million in preparatory funding. The announcement was made by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies at the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, where he praised farmers as the “backbone of our rural communities.”
The Ready Reckoner, now live on the Welsh Government website, allows farmers to estimate their Universal Payment under the SFS, alongside a tapered Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) value for 2026. The Deputy First Minister said the tool was designed to provide “certainty and stability” and help farmers prepare for the transition.
“The Scheme that I’ve announced is the Scheme that we will introduce in 2026,” said Irranca-Davies. “Farmers and the farming unions have asked us to provide certainty and that is what we have done.”
Nine SFS preparatory schemes will open in the coming weeks, offering funding for nutrient management, environmental improvements, and efficiency equipment. The schemes are part of a wider effort to support farm businesses while delivering environmental benefits such as improved water quality and biodiversity2.
Welsh Conservatives raise concerns over scheme rollout
The announcement has drawn criticism from Welsh Conservative MS Tom Giffard, who said the revised scheme still fails to meet farmers’ needs. Giffard pointed to the 40% cut to the Basic Payment Scheme, double the originally promised reduction, and a lack of an economic impact assessment.
“We don’t know how many farmers will lose out, or lose their jobs entirely, as a result of this scheme,” said Giffard. “Farmers should be paid to do what they do best – farm.”
He also raised concerns about proposed changes to footpath access, including the removal of stiles, which some farmers fear could lead to increased illegal activity on farmland.
The SFS has been under development for several years, with the Welsh Government emphasising its whole farm, whole nation approach. Officials say the scheme is built on extensive consultation and aims to balance food production, climate action, and nature recovery.
